Sunday, January 20, 2008

National 'Pick On Tweed' Day

But first ...

"Oh hey there, little fella, whatcha looking at?"Oh.Ah. Gotcha.I do believe Woo would be beyond ecstatic if I got him his very own boston terrier. But them things is nutso-hyper. Plus, little dogs are kinky as shit.

He will have to be content with his very own Piper.Who, by the way, clearly got the memo about National Pick On Tweed Day.In fact, just about everyone at the dog beach seemed to know what day it was.After a while, he got pretty paranoid. Understandably, since he was accosted from all directions. Sometimes by somethingdoodles.Poor Tweed.

We don't know why it was Pick On Tweed Day, but some things are just mysteries of nature and can't be explained. Like the mystery of why Woo jumps the way he does.Woo scoffs at gravity.Or he is part gazelle or something. Piper says other dogs don't jump like that. Other dogs, apparently, hydroplane.

But not Woo!This is a funny photo of Cruz who is lovely, but not always swift.-------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been just over a week since I lost my heart dog, Briggs. Last Saturday morning the aftermath of his pancreatitis caused liver failure. Briggs woke me up from a nap to let me know he had soiled himself and he had turned completely yellow. We immediately went back to the vet, and we let my old man go. It was the hardest, most painful thing I have ever had to do all my 35 years, and his loss is the most haunting and hollow feeling I have ever known. And I thank Dr. Shaw at Kitsilano Animal Clinic for both trying to save my boy when being saved was an possibility, and being honest with me when it was Briggs' time to go.

I also would like to thank all of you, for your comments and emails and messages and cards and phone calls. I could never answer you all; it's not only painful to relive it but there were simply too many condolences. But please know that I appreciate each and every one of them, and while they are painful to read they are also very cathartic. Because every message tells me that my private Briggs was your public Red Dog, and that many of you loved him almost as much as I did. For a little dog with a troubled past and a too-short life, to be loved by so many is no small feat. And if I helped you all to love the World's Most Amazing Dog, then he has gotten as much love in his life as he had for me, and I hope it was enough for him. No dog deserves it more.

I would especially like to thank those many of you who donated to TDBCR in Briggs' honour. It's incredibly generous of you, and since I started the rescue 8 years ago because of my Briggs, it's a wonderful tribute to his time here with me. Thank you.

Lastly, there were two condolences I received that meant more to me than I can express. The first was from Katie, a newish veterinarian whom I've never met, who over the last 18 months or so has gone to lengths to help me sort out Briggs' various health problems, and championed me when I felt like we were losing the battle. She told me that Briggs lives on in her patients because she knows so much more about treating arthritis and pancreatitis thanks to her efforts to help me address his health problems.

The other was from my good friend Mike, who simply wished me peace in my heart, and quiet in my mind, and told me that while the pain may be bad now, over time it will fade and one day I will have both those things. And knowing that this is possible is what gets me up in the morning.

Briggs' collar sits over my monitor, and his soul sits in my heart. He was a good dog.

Really nice to see you posting again, Sheena. One day, if you wouldn't mind sharing the story, could you tell us about how Briggs came into your life and what you know of his past? He was quite a dog...Also, how are the other dogs handling everything? It's also really nice to see Tweed, Piper, and the Wootastic One doing what they do best again!

I'm happy to see you back. I love your blog, your photo's and I loved Red Dog.My Good Dog Ed left this world almost 3 years ago, 1/28/05. I still cant believe he's gone. He was my dearest friend. Letting him go was the most painful, difficult, shocking thing I have ever had to do. The pain is still as strong for me today but I finally sort of understand it and now I can handle feeling it when it comes, when I miss him so much. Mostly I cant believe how lucky I was to have had the chance to know & love him.www.dogmasf.com/edsagooddog.htm

I am glad to see you've returned and I hope that some of the pain has lessened. Oddly enough, the same day you were saying goodbye to sweet RD, a very dear friend of mine was taken off of life support after a stroke and massive brain hemmorage. He and RD had some very similar qualities, characterwise LOL, and I hope that my Bob and your RD are together.

Regarding the photos - so glad to see them again btw! - that somethingdoodle chasing after Tweed looks very much like a rabid sheep! Also, Woo's jumping abilities are amazing. I think you've posted before, but if the spirit moves you, could we possibly get that leaping action on video? I like to imagine that it is very kangaroo like in person.

Good to have you back, RDM. I know your hollow feeling all too well and while it does ease over time, it never completely goes away. Your boy will always hold a special part of your heart.

How uplifting to see Wootie with his head in a hole. This reignites my desire for a whole series of Woo digging. Just the sight of the Flamboyance makes me smile. And I agree with a previous comment that the somethingdoodle looks like a rabid sheep.

RDM, thanks for the new set of photos. Piper is in true BC form with her hydroplaning. Efficiency is important... It too agree that the doodle looks like a rabid sheep. I can envision a whole series on doodles, or "designer" dogs in general.

Glad to see you back. Even when nothing feels normal, getting back to doing usual things can be helpful. Thanks for giving us our fix of the Woo and the Woofs. I too would love to hear stories of your early days with Briggs.

It's good to see you back! It's wonderful to be able to hear about the adventures of the mysterious Mr. Woo again. Orange dogs rule!Also, thank you for sharing your precious red dog, Briggs, with us. Even though I never met him, I feel like I've lost a friend.

More Photos of My Dogs

Because, well, really

What People Think of Three Woofs And A Woo

i don't want you to go back to work, either, because i imagine this means you won't be updating your blog quite as often! :(

waaaah! :*(

(i admit it, i am addicted to your blog - i always have it open on a tab in my Firefox window.)"

-MahnaMahna

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"you are obviously a very engaging writer, you take great pics, and your dogs... well words barely describe their wonder... have you ever thought about taking these antics and making them into childrens books. Something to the idea of 3 woofs and a woo: fifa goes missing. Or 3 woofs and a woo: look out hollywood. Just a thought."

- SweetCeana

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"RDM, you get some of the greatest photos EVER. Just love looking at your blog pics - my enjoyment is much enhanced by your commentary, naturally, but the pics would certainly be enough on their own!"

- AK Dog Doc----------------

"Finally, on your blog there is a spot to look at all the wonderful Woo shots. aaahhhh. beautiful."

-- Kat's Dogs

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"Just wanted to say hi! and confess that I have become addicted to Three Woofs and a Woo. It's true. I have begun recommending it to my fellow dog cult members at the dog park. I am working from home right now, transcribing research interviews, and I use 3W&W as my break time."

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